Biology · Environmental Studies
Microbiology and Nitrogen Cycle
1,029 Questions
This hub focuses on microbiology and the nitrogen cycle, covering essential concepts about bacteria and soil microbes. Topics include nitrogen fixation, bacterial structures, and soil microbial processes. These concepts are frequently tested in general science sections of various competitive exams.
Nitrogen fixing bacteriaGram-positive bacteriaBacterial flagellaDenitrifying bacteriaAmmonia conversion processBacterial resting spores
Microbiology and Nitrogen Cycle Questions
Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given.
Plants like clover and beans, that have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, belong to the family:
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Fabaceae
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Brassicaceae
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Solanaceae
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Asteraceae
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Fabaceae or Leguminosae, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, are a large and economically important family of flowering plants and clover and beans belong to fabacea.
So, the correct option is 'Fabaceae'
The process by which bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants is called:
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Nitrogen fixation
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Nitrification
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Denitrification
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Ammonification
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, such as nitrates and ammonium.
The process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere, is known as:
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Nitrogen fixation
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Nitrification
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Denitrification
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Ammonification
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.
The process by which bacteria convert ammonium into nitrates is called:
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Nitrogen fixation
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Nitrification
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Denitrification
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Ammonification
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Nitrification is the process by which bacteria convert ammonium into nitrates.
Which type of extremophile is known for its ability to thrive in extremely hot environments?
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Psychrophile
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Thermophile
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Acidophile
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Alkaliphile
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Thermophiles are extremophiles that thrive in extremely hot environments, such as hydrothermal vents or hot springs. They have adapted to these conditions and can survive at temperatures that would be lethal to most other organisms.
Which of the following is NOT a type of extremophile that can survive in extreme environments?
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Psychrophile
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Thermophile
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Acidophile
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Alkaliphile
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Psychrophile is not a type of extremophile that can survive in extreme environments. Psychrophiles are organisms that thrive in cold environments, such as polar regions or deep sea hydrothermal vents. They are not adapted to survive in extreme heat, acidity, or alkalinity.
What is the role of microorganisms in composting and anaerobic digestion?
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They break down organic matter
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They produce heat
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They generate biogas
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Microorganisms play a crucial role in both composting and anaerobic digestion. They break down organic matter, produce heat, and generate biogas. These processes are essential for the decomposition of organic waste and the production of valuable end products.
Which of the following is NOT a type of bioremediation?
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Aerobic bioremediation
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Anaerobic bioremediation
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Phytoremediation
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Natural attenuation
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Natural attenuation is a process that removes contaminants from groundwater naturally, not a type of bioremediation.
Which type of microorganism is responsible for the decomposition of organic matter?
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Bacteria
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Viruses
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Fungi
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Protists
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacteria play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, breaking it down into simpler compounds.
Which type of microorganism is responsible for the nitrogen cycle?
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Bacteria
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Viruses
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Fungi
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Protists
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, converting nitrogen gas into forms that can be used by plants.
What is the primary role of microorganisms in the process of anaerobic digestion?
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To break down organic matter into simpler compounds
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To produce methane and carbon dioxide
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To remove harmful pollutants from wastewater
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To generate electricity from organic waste
A
Correct answer
Explanation
In anaerobic digestion, microorganisms break down organic matter into simpler compounds, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. This process is used to treat wastewater and produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
Which of the following is a type of microorganism that is commonly used in the production of biogas from organic waste?
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Bacteria
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Fungi
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Protozoa
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Algae
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacteria are commonly used in the production of biogas from organic waste. They break down the organic matter into simpler compounds, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
Which of the following is a type of microorganism that is commonly used in the production of biohydrogen?
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Bacteria
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Fungi
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Protozoa
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Algae
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacteria are commonly used in the production of biohydrogen. They break down organic matter into simpler compounds, such as hydrogen gas, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
What is the primary role of microorganisms in the process of bioremediation?
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To break down organic matter into simpler compounds
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To produce methane and carbon dioxide
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To remove harmful pollutants from the environment
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To generate electricity from organic waste
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In bioremediation, microorganisms break down and remove harmful pollutants from the environment. This process helps to clean up contaminated soil and water and make them safe for human use.
What is the role of microorganisms in soil bioremediation?
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Degrading Organic Pollutants
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Immobilizing Heavy Metals
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Promoting Plant Growth
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Microorganisms play a crucial role in soil bioremediation by degrading organic pollutants, immobilizing heavy metals, and promoting plant growth, thereby aiding in the restoration of soil health.